Contents
New Prime Minister Scott Morrison has appointed Senator Richard Colbeck to the Agriculture and Water Resources portfolio to assist Minister Littleproud. Senator Colbeck will take responsibility for fishing and aquaculture. Senator Anne Ruston is now the Assistant Minister for International Development and the Pacific in the Foreign Affairs, Trade, Tourism and Investment Portfolio. Senator Colbeck has a very good knowledge of fishing and aquaculture from his previous time as the assistant minister. It is expected [to be confirmed] that Senator Colbeck will be responsible for the same key areas Senator Ruston was, namely:
The revised Commonwealth Harvest Strategy Policy and Guidelines
The revised Commonwealth Bycatch Policy and Guidelines
Quantifying the recreational catch of Southern Bluefin Tuna – IMAS has won the tender to undertake the survey
Developing a Commonwealth Resource Sharing Policy
Establishing a Fishing and Aquaculture Ministerial Advisory Council
Some stakeholders will be aware of recent changes to the FRDC management of the various Advisory Groups – Research Advisory Committees, Industry Partnership Agreements & Subprograms. This change has been brought about by a review of the FRDC structure. This has resulted in changes to who looks after each RAC or IPA.
These changes can be seen on the FRDC Organisation Chart.
The RAC, IPA and Subprogram webpages have also been updated with the new contact for FRDC staff members. The pages also have new “relevant project listing” at the bottom of each page. This lists all projects related to the relative area.
The FRDC’s 2018-19 Annual Operating Plan has been submitted to the Department of Agriculture and Water Resource and the Assistant Minister. The FRDC AOP sets out the key priorities for the coming year, as well the performance targets. The AOP can be found on the FRDC website at FRDC AOP 2018-19.
Investments in 2018–19 will continue to focus on the three national priorities, subprogram and stakeholder/jurisdictional RD & E plans see: Partners. In addition, the FRDC looks across its portfolio and identifies areas that require adjustment [to maintain a balanced portfolio] or to specifically respond to areas for investment or focus.
This process starts in August, when the FRDC Board reviews the business environment and strategic direction with input from its representative organisations. The following focus areas have been identified as priorities for FRDC in 2018-19.
The FRDC will explore, through the Fish-X and Fish 2.0 projects new approaches to identify funders, develop and respond to issues or business opportunities. The two projects will deliver alternate paths for industry development, as well increasing the speed of innovation and adoption by stakeholders. These projects also aim to broaden the FRDC investor base, bringing in new funding partners.
The National Carp Control research program will continue to be delivered to inform the development of the National Carp Control Plan for the Australian Government to consider.
Following changes to the Primary Industry Research and Development Act the FRDC will commence seafood marketing activities, where industry request it – either via voluntary funding or a statutory marketing levy(s).
FRDC financial income and expenditure planning 2017–21.
|
REVENUE |
2017–18 |
2018–19 |
2019–20 |
2020–21 |
|
$m |
$m |
$m |
$m |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Australian Government 0.5% AGVP |
14.92 |
14.85 |
15.10 |
15.35 |
|
Matching of industry contributions |
7.46 |
7.42 |
7.55 |
7.68 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total revenues from the Australian Government |
22.38 |
22.27 |
22.65 |
23.03 |
|
Contributions revenue from Industry |
7.59 |
7.61 |
8.70 |
8.70 |
|
Projects revenue from other parties |
5.50 |
4.02 |
3.00 |
3.00 |
|
Other revenue |
0.26 |
0.30 |
0.25 |
0.25 |
|
Marketing and promotion |
0.50 |
0.50 |
1.00 |
2.00 |
|
TOTAL REVENUE |
36.23 |
34.70 |
35.60 |
36.98 |
|
EXPENDITURE |
2017–18 |
2018–19 |
2019–20 |
2020–21 |
|
$m |
$m |
$m |
$m |
|
|
Programs Expenditure |
|
|
|
|
|
Total RD&E expenditure |
30.20 |
28.35 |
28.56 |
28.89 |
|
Total Marketing expenditure |
0.41 |
0.45 |
0.90 |
1.80 |
|
Management and accountability |
5.26 |
5.88 |
6.08 |
6.25 |
|
TOTAL EXPENDITURE |
35.87 |
34.68 |
35.54 |
36.94 |
On 16 August 2018 the FRDC got the news it has been waiting on for a long time. FRDC can now undertake marketing activities with voluntary funds - no levies required.
The changes come about as a result of the Primary Industries Research and Development Amendment Bill 2017 being passed by both houses of parliament.
Up to this point any marketing activities the fishing and aquaculture businesses wanted FRDC to run collectively required them to go through the lengthy process of establishing a mandatory marketing levy. This burden is now gone and allows for more flexible and custom programs to be developed.
Industry still has the option (should they want) to establish a full levy, but would be required to meet the twelve levy principles [see: Department http://www.agriculture.gov.au/ag-farm-food/levies]
The change opens the doors for FRDC to partner with and deliver any marketing activities on behalf of Australia's seafood industry. For example, if the seafood industry want to run a trade event (either here or overseas) to promote Australian seafood. FRDC and industry partners could identify an event of interest (say a trade show), pay a fee and be part of the event. Any and all interested companies could sign up. This is very similar approach used by Wine Australia for international trade shows – each company pays a fee to attend and be part of the show.
What next?
The FRDC is keen to start discussions with any industry partners looking to undertake or be part of marketing activities. It is important to note, that the FRDC can only undertake marketing where industry request and provide funding for the activity. In these cases the FRDC will work with them to develop plans and processes [approvals/sign offs] to undertake requested activities.
FRDC has updated the two trade pages for prawn and rock lobster import and export data:
/Services/Seafood-Trade-and-Market-Access/Prawn-Shrimp-Import-and-Export-Data
/Services/Seafood-Trade-and-Market-Access/Rock-Lobster-Exports
Under its four year Funding Agreement with the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources (DAWR) the FRDC is required to undertake an independent review of its performance prior to renegotiating the next Funding Agreement. FRDC board agreed to the terms of reference with DAWR in Sep 2017. Foresthill Consulting (led by Scott Williams) was selected to undertake the review in November 2017, and the Review is well under way. Foresthill Consulting has undertaken a number of face-to-face interviews, but is also seeking FRDC stakeholder feedback via a website it has set up at www.frdcreview.org. If you would like to provide stakeholder feedback on the FRDC, you can do so anonymously on the website.
The FRDC have sponsored FISH 2.0 Program. The Fish 2.0 competition connects seafood businesses and investors in order to grow the sustainable seafood sector. Fish 2.0 provides businesses with opportunities to gain visibility and find strategic partners. The focus for the Australian Track and the areas the program are looking for are:
FRDC also published a story on FISH 2.0 in FISH Magazine /Media-and-Publications/FISH/FISH-Vol-26-2/FRDC-sponsors-innovation-competition.
Fish 2.0 applicants will participate in a workshop and investor event in Melbourne on October 23-24. The workshop is open to all Australia seafood ventures who apply. Fish 2.0 alumni are also welcome to apply to attend. The application is simple and can be completed online at www.fish20.org/australia
As of July 2018, the Status of Australian Fish Stock Reports (SAFS) are being used as evidence based science to inform the United Nations Sustainability Goal Number 14 ‘Life Below Water’ (indicator 14.4.1 ‘Proportion of fish stocks within biologically sustainable levels’). This broad goal seeks to conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development.
To learn more go to:
The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development: https://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/sustainable-development-goals/
The Australian Government’s report on ‘Implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (Voluntary National Review) 2018’: https://dfat.gov.au/aid/topics/development-issues/2030-agenda/Pages/sustainable-development-goals.aspx
The Australian Government’s reporting Platform on Sustainable Development Goals: https://www.sdgdata.gov.au/
Full Status of Australian Fish Stock Reports (to be updated in December 2018):
On 10 August 2018 the Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources announced that round four of the Rural R&D for Profit Program is open for applications. The Minister’s media release can be found here.
Program documentation, including guidelines and the online application form, can be found at GrantConnect (https://www.grants.gov.au/?event=public.GO.list&orderBy=Close+Date+%26+Time+-+Ascending&GOID=&keyword=agriculture) Applications close on 5 November 2018.
Applications through the online form must include an ‘organisation ID’ number and all RDCs already have this ID number.
Further information can be found on the Departments website (http://www.agriculture.gov.au/ag-farm-food/innovation/rural-research-development-for-profit).
FRDC have taken the lead in developing a nationally integrated effort to improve the safety, health and welfare of Australia’s seafood industry. A key driver was knowledge that commercial fishing safety performance has not improved in last 15 years and is now considered one of the most dangerous occupations (even though this statement has not been statistically evaluated).
There have been significant resources (financial and physical) allocated to workplace health and safety (including mental health, training and systems for data collection) over the last 15 years in the commercial fishing industry. However the majority have been “stand alone" and there has been limited extension for the wider industry to adopt. In addition, there have been limited resources within industry to continue the developmental work required.
The FRDC Seafood Industry Safety & Welfare National Strategy broadly focuses on the integration of previous and new investments made in the area of workplace health and safety and mental health and culture.
Current FRDC investments in the area of workplace health and safety and mental health are:
FRDC and its partners in this strategy are in the process of having all these initiatives overseen by one steering committee to ensure best possible collaboration, avoid duplication, and importantly maximise the focus on the outcome of significant improvements in safety. Of a number of identified priority areas under the Seafood Industry Safety & Welfare National Strategy – FRDC acknowledge that there is a need to develop a communication plan.
At the end of September, the FRDC’s Human Research Dimensions Research Subprogram will host the “Mental Health, Wellbeing and Safety in the Seafood Sector: Making a difference” workshop. This workshop aims to guide future FRDC investment in RD&E to improve levels of mental health, wellbeing and safe work behaviours and culture across Australian fisheries and aquaculture. The workshop will likely have updates from current relevant FRDC projects, industry organisations and their initiatives/partnerships, perspectives from government agencies and regulators, as well as leaders in related agri-business sectors on equivalent programs and interventions.
The FRDC’s Annual Stakeholder Planning Workshop will be held August 29th & 30th in Adelaide, and provided a forum for representatives of each Research Advisory Committees (RACs), Industry Partnership Agreements (IPAs) and Subprograms and external stakeholders to present their research priorities. The primary objective of the Stakeholder Planning Workshop was to establish collaborative opportunities for co-investment in RD&E that will have multi- jurisdictional and, or national benefit.
The workshop will result in priority areas being established. More information including workshop outcomes and presentations will be provided via the FRDC webpage – http://frdc.com.au/Partners/Stakeholder-workshops.
The newly established (Commercial) Inshore Fishery Subprogram is holding its second meeting in late-September to develop a terms of reference and finalise the Governance Committee. At this meeting, it is expected that a shortlist of activities – initially focusing on improving social license for these commercial operators – will be discussed which could become shared pilot projects.
To date, the Subprogram held an initial meeting in mid-2018, with the Executive Officers from the State & Territory based wild catch industry councils in attendance. It was agreed that the issue of resource allocation and access would not be addressed by the Subprogram – but rather there would be a focus be on taking advantage of sharing existing knowledge and opportunities, developing new opportunities and trial initiatives such as new technology. Meeting participants outlined activities relevant to inshore fisheries – current and in planning – and identified commonality in RD&E priorities.
|
Date |
Event |
More information |
|
2-6 September |
8th International Symposium on Aquatic Animal Health |
|
|
12-15 September |
International Coalition of Fisheries Association (ICFA) meeting |
|
|
18-19 September |
Australian Barramundi Farmers’ Association AGM and industry workshop |
|
|
21 September |
“Mental Health, Wellbeing and Safety in the Seafood Sector: Making a difference” workshop (invite only) |
|
|
25 – 28 September |
Third Elsevier Aquaculture Conference 2018: International Advances in Aquaculture Research |
https://www.elsevier.com/events/conferences/aquaculture |
|
27 September |
National Inshore subprogram workshop (invite only) |
|
|
28 September |
National Symposium On Seafood Marketing |
http://queenslandseafoodmarketers.com.au/seafood-marketing-symposium/ |
|
29 September |
Tin Can Bay Seafood Festival |
http://www.visitgympieregion.com.au/events-1/tin-can-bay-seafood-festival |
|
October |
National Seafood Month |
|
|
7-13 October |
Mental Health Week |
http://www.mhcsa.org.au/mhcsa-events/mental-health-week-2018/ |
|
7-11 October |
Australian Society for Fish Biology Conference 2018 |
|
|
10 October |
World Mental Health day |
|
|
15-16 October |
Indigenous Reference Group meeting |
|
|
17 October |
Australian Fisheries Managers Forum (invite only) |
|
|
19 October |
Proposed date for the 5th meeting of the Australian Fisheries Ministers (invite only) |
|
|
19 October |
Women’s Industry Network Seafood Community workshop and 20th anniversary dinner (invite only) |
http://winsc.org.au/ |
|
18-21 October |
7th Global Conference on Gender in Aquaculture and Fisheries |
|
|
22-25 October |
Fish 2.0 Australian Workshop |
https://www.fish20.org/ventures/2018tracks/australia |
|
7-8 November |
National Priority 1 Steering Committee meeting (invite only) |
|
|
19-21 November |
FRDC Board meeting (invite only) |
|
|
10-14 December |
Fish Passage 2018 – International Conference on River Connectivity |
https://fishpassage.umass.edu/ |
|
Date |
Research Advisory Committee meetings |
More information |
|
23 October |
QLDRAC (by invitation) |
See the FRDC website - http://frdc.com.au/Partners/Research-Advisory-Committees
|
|
11 October |
COMRAC (by invitation) |
|
|
16 October |
WARAC (by invitation) |
|
|
4 October |
NSWRAC (by invitation |
|
|
10 October |
NTRAC (by invitation) |
|
|
19 October |
TASRAC (by invitation) |
|
|
30 October |
SARAC (by invitation) |
|
|
18 October |
VICRAC (by invitation) |
|
Project Number |
Title |
Applicant |
PI |
Budget $ |
|
2017-026 |
Can spatial fishery-dependent data be used to determine abalone stock status in a spatially structured fishery? |
University of Tasmania (UTAS) |
Craig Mundy |
562,128 |
|
2017-138 |
Understanding the Markets for Western Rock Lobster |
Western Rock Lobster Council (WRLC) |
Matt Taylor |
400,000 |
|
2017-140 |
Digitising the Western Rock Lobster Industry |
Western Rock Lobster Council (WRLC) |
Matt Taylor |
550,000 |
|
2017-143 |
Boosting the emergence of Cobia farming in Australia |
Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (QLD) |
Peter Lee |
1,175,716 |
|
2017-210 |
National fisheries and aquaculture industry social and economic contributions study: Phase 1 |
Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies (IMAS) Taroona |
Emily Ogier |
393,218 |
|
2017-215 |
Storm Bay Biogeochemical Modelling & Information System: Supporting sustainable aquaculture expansion in Tasmania |
CSIRO Oceans and Atmosphere Hobart |
Karen Wild-Allen |
1,649,325 |
|
2017-225 |
Improving risk management of paralytic shellfish toxins (PST) in the Blacklip Abalone (Haliotis rubra rubra) |
South Australian Research and Development Institute |
Alison Turnbull |
142,955 |
|
2017-237 |
NCCP: Risks, Costs, and Water Industry Response |
Water Research Australia Ltd |
Tim Kildea |
50,000 |
|
2017-238 |
Water treatment to control influent water biosecurity risk on Australian prawn farms. Effectiveness and impacts on production ponds. |
Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (QLD) |
David Mann |
155,700 |
|
2017-239 |
Seafood Directions 2019 |
Seafood Industry Victoria Inc |
Johnathon Davey |
65,000 |
|
2017-241 |
Understanding blood flukes infecting Southern Bluefin Tuna |
RMIT University Melbourne City Campus |
Nathan Bott |
30,000 |
|
2017-242 |
Our pledge: Australian seafood industry response to community values and expectations |
Seafood Industry Australia (SIA) |
Jane Lovell |
172,450 |
|
2017-243 |
Program management - Atlantic Salmon aquaculture expansion modelling and monitoring program (Storm Bay) |
Rockpool Land and Water Services Pty Ltd |
Jason Whitehead |
52,800 |
|
2017-244 |
Fish for the future: creating a new investment model for the FRDC |
Food Futures Company Pty Ltd |
Christine Pitt |
80,000 |
|
2017-246 |
WINSC 2018 Annual Conference Sponsorship |
Women's Industry Network Seafood Community |
Leonie Noble |
30,000 |
|
2017-247 |
Wild catch Barramundi Workshop to explore future options to improve fisheries |
Queensland Seafood Marketers Association Inc (QSMA) |
Marshall Betzel |
10,000 |
|
2017-250 |
WAFIC, Recfishwest, DPIRD and SSPWA attendance at 'Engaging Leaders Innovating Across Sectors' (ELIAS) |
Western Australian Fishing Industry Council Inc (WAFIC) |
Alex Ogg |
18,000 |
|
2018-016 |
Improving data on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander marine resource use to inform decision-making |
Department of Primary Industries and Regions South Australia (PIRSA) |
Daniel Casement |
200,000 |
|
2018-025 |
Processing innovation to produce novel, investment ready, WA seafood products |
Curtin University |
Janet Howieson |
238,881 |
|
2018-026 |
e-fish – proof of concept for a comprehensive integrated end-to-end digital solution for fisher reported data |
AFMA |
Andrew Powell |
240,000 |
|
2018-047 |
Barramundi origins: determining the contribution of stocking to the barramundi catch on Queensland's east coast |
Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (QLD) |
Richard Saunders |
261,777 |
|
2018-061 |
Abalone Council Australia Ltd Planning and Management for a National Research, Development and Extension (RD&E) Program |
Abalone Council Australia Ltd |
Dean Lisson |
666,700 |
|
2018-063 |
Maximising industry representational capacity and capability through improved skills and knowledge |
Tasmanian Seafood Industry Council (TSIC) |
Julian J. Harrington |
40,000 |
|
2018-068 |
Non-market values to inform decision-making and reporting in fisheries and aquaculture – an audit and gap analysis |
Queensland University of Technology (QUT) |
Louisa Coglan |
130,000 |
|
2018-084 |
Development of technical and extension material to support Murray Cod aquaculture industry expansion in Australia |
Freshwater Native Fish Association (FNFA) |
Noel Penfold |
76,000 |
|
2018-090 |
Improving early detection surveillance and emergency disease response to Pacific Oyster Mortality Syndrome (POMS) using a hydrodynamic model for dispersion of OsHV-1 |
Department of Primary Industries and Regions South Australia (PIRSA) |
Shane Roberts |
70,168 |
|
2018-091 |
Assessment of national-scale tracking of commercially important fish species |
Sydney Institute of Marine Science (SIMS) |
Michelle Heupel |
85,000 |
|
2018-097 |
Survey of Enterprise-level Biosecurity across the Australian Aquaculture Industry |
Instinct and Reason |
Rob Mercer |
36,505 |
|
2018-098 |
Vaccination for emergency and long-term control of nodavirus in Australian marine aquaculture |
University of Queensland (UQ) |
Andrew Barnes |
668,462 |
|
2018-101 |
A trivalent vaccine for sustainable yellowtail kingfish growout |
University of Queensland (UQ) |
Andrew Barnes |
809,040 |
|
2018-106 |
Identifying electronic platforms to increase safety at sea in the Australian commercial fishing fleet |
Diversity Sustainable Development Consultants Pty Ltd |
Geoffrey Diver |
22,342 |
|
2018-112 |
NCCP: Carp Questionnaire Survey and community mapping tool - Empowering the community to be part of the national solution to Carp through the National Carp Control Program |
Centre for Invasive Species Solutions |
Peter West |
44,000 |